"Of all the holy works, the education of children is the most holy." - St. Theophan the Recluse
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION VISIONThe vision for Christian Education at St. Seraphim Cathedral is to encourage “life-long learning" of the Orthodox Faith from pre-schoolers to adults. This class is open to Orthodox and non-Orthodox.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION GOALSTo promote the vision of “life-long learning” the Cathedral education goals come from the words of our Lord and the Great Commandment:
“thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”
Thus, Christian education is not just just the pursuit of knowledge about God, but rather the conversion of the heart so that we may come to love Christ and neighbor. Thus the practical application in our daily lives of the living Word of God becomes something that is lived outside the classroom. From this both fellowship and community building are essential education goals as well.
CLASSES FOR NON-ORTHODOXInquirer’s ClassesFor many who have embraced the Orthodox Christian Faith, their journey started as seekers from other Christian or non-Christian confessions. The Cathedral continues to be a place where those seeking the “fullness of the Christian Faith” can encounter the Triune God in Orthodoxy.
Those interested in learning more about the Orthodox Christian Faith are invited to participate in our Wednesday evening "Inquirer's Class" for English speakers or a Thursday evening class for Russian speakers. The "Inquirer's Classes" are led by two Cathedral catechists. Deacon Gregory Conley for the Wednesday class and Mr. Vladimir Gygorenko for the Thursday class.
Additional classes are added on other evenings for Inquirers as they proceed through their learning. Currently the Continuing Inquirers Class meets on Monday evening after Daily Vespers. This class is led by Fr David. Those who wish to embrace the Orthodox Christian Faith would then be enrolled as Catechumens when they are ready to commit to becoming Orthodox. A typical Inquirer/Catechumen study period prior to reception into the Orthodox Church is 6 to 12 months.
CONTINUING ORTHODOX EDUCATION CLASSES (COEC)Sunday Morning Christian EducationThe Sunday morning Cathedral education program begins each October and concludes in June. The church school year has approximately 30 sessions. Classes for pre-schoolers to high school age students are offered on Sundays. There are classes for PRE-SCHOOLERS (ages 3-4), BEGINNERS (ages 5-7), ELEMENTARY (ages 8-10), MIDDLERS (ages 11-13) and SENIORS (ages 14-18).
Wednesday Evening COEC
Classes for those who are members of the Orthodox Church are offered on Wednesday evenings after Vespers. This class, led by Fr. David Moretti, uses a book study format. This year the COEC class has studied the book Bread & Water, Wine & Oil by Archimandrite Meletios Webber and is currently studying sections of the book, Light from the Christian East focusing on Orthodox view of Salvation.
Moms With Kids Class
Twice-monthly on the first Friday of the month and the second Wednesday of the month, the "Moms with Kids" group meets. Topics of importance to Christian formation are offered for moms while kids have a chance to interact with their peers.
Tuesday Morning Basics of Orthodoxy
This class meets at 11:30 am every Tuesday. It is an ongoing class on various Orthodox themes taught by Fr John.
Additional Classes
The Cathedral also offers other classes as needed. Please consult the SSOC website for more information or contact Fr. John Anderson(Fr. John Anderson <priestjanderson@gmail.com>;) or
214-886-3179.
